Tuesday’s 6-2, 6-0 loss to Linda Noskova left Alexandra Eala with a bitter taste in her mouth, but the defeat doesn’t take away from her achievements this week in the California desert.

The 20-year-old became the first player from the Philippines to ever play a match in the main draw at Indian Wells, and she turned that opportunity into a fourth-round appearance that included a dramatic three-set win in her debut against Dayana Yastremska and an upset of Coco Gauff — her third Top 5 win in under a year.

Eala, who is up to No. 28 in the live rankings, reflected positively on her achievements this week in Southern California.

“I do leave with happiness,” she said. “I think tomorrow I'll be a bit happier than I am now. Of course, the initial feelings after the match are a tough pill to swallow, but I'm in the fourth round of Indian Wells. I'm really happy about that. It's still something I'm really proud of. And I wish it could have ended under different circumstances, but it is what it is and there will be a next time for sure.”

Eala received tremendous support from the Filipino community, with fans showing up in droves to cheer her on. She relished the experience.

“I think my experiences here in my matches here have really meant a lot for me,” she said. “I think I've been able to bring out a certain level and dig really deep in all circumstances, even tonight.

“It’s a learning experience for me. It means a lot to have these experiences, even though I wouldn't consider today's match a positive experience for me, but down the line I believe it will have a positive impact on my progression as a player.”

The trailblazing southpaw will head to Miami next — the scene of her breakthrough. She was ranked No. 140 in the world when she played the Miami Open last year. This year she’ll return as a seeded player.

“I can't speak for the future and what will actually happen when I arrive in Miami,” she said. “Miami last year was a beautiful time for me and it was the start of all of this, but since then I've achieved a lot as well.

"I've grown a lot and I've had so many good matches, so many tough losses, so much experience since then. And that's helped me build confidence, self-esteem, and I know that I belong here.

“So it doesn't matter if I win the tournament in Miami or if I lose in the first round, I know I'm here and I'm here to stay.”